The Security Committee of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned #EndSARS protests in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.
The directive comes in the wake of protests across the country, including in the capital city, against harassment and brutality by the police.
According to the FCTA, the protests are prohibited for alleged violation of COVID-19 protocols.
It also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police had acceded to the demand of the protesters by scrapping the Federal Anti Robbery Squad, hence there was no need for the protests any longer.
It added that the activities of the protesters have endangered the lives of citizens going about their legitimate business.
The statement read: “The FCT Security Committee met for its routine meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory with a view to addressing identified challenges,” Ogunleye said.
”While the Committee recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, it has observed that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.
“These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.
“Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters. Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT.”
The meeting, which held on Tuesday to review the security situation in the FCT and address identified challenges, was chaired by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, and had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as Area Council chairmen.
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